New river manager builds bridges

The Port of London Authority (PLA) has appointed its first ever river manager on the upper reaches of the tidal Thames.

Alexander Brown, a keen rower and sailor, will be the PLA’s public face between Putney and Teddington. His appointment as river manager is the latest development in the PLA’s ongoing work to ensure that its operations in the area are properly tailored to the needs of river users. Other changes include the development of a Code of Practice for rowing which was launched last October and the introduction of new river patrol launches specially designed for the shallower waters of this part of the river.

Alex, who is working to build closer links with the leisure boating community, this week moved into his newly refurbished office at Richmond Lock. He said:

"The PLA’s never been closer to the rowing community on this part of the Thames, and I want to extend that relationship to all river users. Our goal is to make sure that an ever increasing number of people enjoy the Thames with consideration for others, and in safety."

Alex is out on the river every weekend, rowing out of a Putney based boat club. He was coaching rowing when he joined the PLA in 2005 to oversee the writing and implementation of the Code of Practice for Rowing on the Tidal Thames. He grew up on the South Coast and is an experienced sailor.

Harbourmaster for the Upper Tidal Thames, Christopher Mendoza said:

"Alex was the ideal choice for this job. As a leisure boater himself, he’s best placed to make crucial links between the Authority and recreational river users. He’ll lead PLA input for important Thames events like the Heads of the River races, the University Boat Race and the Great River Race. With Alex’s appointment we now have all the building blocks to continue the transformation of our operation which is the heartland of rowing in England."

The Port of London Authority (PLA) is responsible for navigational safety and related matters on 150km (95 miles) of the tidal Thames from the sea to Teddington A photo of Alex Brown is available on request from Martin Garside, PLA. Tel: 01474 562366 or email.